The Holiday Season Can Increase Stress for Alzheimer’s Caregivers

By: Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH

As families prepare for the season’s gatherings, travel and traditions, the Alzheimer’s Association encourages caregivers to plan ahead and adjust their expectations to help reduce stress for both people living with dementia and the family members who care for them.

The holiday season can present unique challenges for families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Changes in routine, large gatherings, travel and the expectations that come with the holidays can feel overwhelming for both caregivers and people living with the disease.

Nationwide, nearly 13 million family members and friends provide unpaid care to someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.

“Many families feel pressure to celebrate the holidays exactly as they always have, but dementia often calls for a different approach,” said Elizabeth Edgerly, senior director of Community Programs and Services at the Alzheimer’s Association.

“The most meaningful celebrations are often the ones that focus less on perfection and more on comfort, connection and time spent together as a family.”

While many families focus on keeping long-standing traditions, experts note that flexibility is often the key to a successful holiday season.

For people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, family holiday events can still be enjoyable.

However, as the disease progresses, families may need to modify some activities, reduce the size of gatherings or adjust schedules to better fit the person’s needs and abilities.

Tips for a more manageable holiday season

The Alzheimer’s Association offers several recommendations to help families navigate holiday celebrations:

Let family and friends know ahead of time what to expect and how they can support the person living with dementia.
Consider adapting traditions. For example, host a holiday lunch instead of a late dinner if evenings tend to be especially difficult.
Include the person living with dementia in enjoyable, manageable activities, such as decorating, wrapping gifts or helping with simple food preparation.
Prepare hosts before attending holiday gatherings, and identify a quiet place where the person can rest if needed.
Set realistic expectations and recognize that some traditions may need to be simplified or put on hold.
Accept help offered by family and friends, and consider smaller gatherings to reduce stress and fatigue.

The Association also encourages caregivers to prioritize their own well-being during the holiday season. Feelings of stress, sadness and exhaustion are common among caregivers and can intensify at this time of year. Taking breaks, sharing responsibilities and seeking support can help reduce the risk of caregiver burnout.

Families looking for holiday caregiving tips, local support programs or personalized guidance can visit the Alzheimer’s Association holiday resources at alz.org or call the free 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 for information, support and local resources.

This article was provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, and is shared with our community to support caregiving families this holiday season.

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